Things To Do
in Littau
Littau is a charming Swiss locality nestled just outside Lucerne, offering easy access to lake views and Alpine scenery. It serves as a convenient base for exploring central Switzerland while retaining a peaceful village atmosphere. The area combines quiet residential streets with quick access to Lucerne’s cultural highlights, riverine landscapes, and mountain routes.
Visitors will find a welcoming, well-connected hub that balances outdoor adventure with comfortable, efficient Swiss hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Swiss pastries and coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of Littau, admiring the traditional Swiss architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to visit the historic Church of St. Martin, a beautiful example of local craftsmanship.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour that dives deeper into Littau's rich history, including tales of its founding and development. Stop for lunch at a cozy restaurant where you can try traditional Swiss dishes like fondue or rösti. Afterward, explore the nearby parks or take a short hike to enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery to enjoy dinner, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the lake, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the surroundings. Conclude your day with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals and fellow travelers.
Begin your day with a visit to the Littau Art Museum, where you can admire contemporary Swiss art and exhibitions. Engage in interactive workshops that allow you to create your own art using techniques inspired by local artists. Enjoy a light brunch at the museum café, surrounded by inspiring artwork.
Head to the nearby cultural center for an afternoon of traditional Swiss music and dance performances, immersing yourself in the local culture. Participate in a workshop that teaches you about Swiss folklore and the significance of various cultural artifacts. Take a leisurely stroll through the nearby artisan market, where you can find unique handcrafted souvenirs.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at a restaurant known for its fusion of traditional and modern Swiss cuisine. After your meal, attend a local theater performance, showcasing the talents of Littau’s artists in a cozy setting. End the evening with a night walk, enjoying the illuminated streets and the peaceful town atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕️Coffee (cappuccino) | $3-5 |
| 🧀Local cheese or snack | $5-12 |
| 🚆Public transport (1-hour ticket) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $150-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lake and mountain scenery within easy reach
- Excellent public transportation and safety standards
- High-quality cuisine and efficient services
- Picturesque medieval city center with iconic landmarks
- Relatively high costs for goods and services
- Nightlife tends to be quieter than in larger cities
- Seasonal crowds in peak travel periods
- Limited English in some small venues, though increasingly common
- "Grüezi" - Hello (used in German-speaking Switzerland)
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ich hätte gern …" - I would like …
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?" - Could you repeat that, please?
Places to Visit in Littau
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic wooden bridge with a historic backdrop and reflections on the Reuss River—best at early morning or golden hour.
Medieval city walls with towers offering elevated city views and framing opportunities.
Stretch along Lake Lucerne with sunsets over the water and mountain silhouettes in the distance.
Elegant Baroque church with a dramatic interior and clean exterior lines for architectural photography.
Panoramic alpine vistas accessible by cog railways or cable cars— superb for wide landscapes.
Food in Littau
Littau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy hashbrown-style potatoes, often served with eggs, cheese, ham, or mushrooms.
Must-Try!
Savory meat pie from Lucerne with rich gravy and pastry crust.
Pan-fried lake fish (Felchen) served with Rösti and seasonal vegetables.
Creamy Alpine macaroni with cheese, cream, and sometimes applesauce on the side.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market close to the city center where you can sample local cheeses, breads, fruit, and snacks.
Seasonal street food options along the lakefront offering light bites and snacks with lake views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Grüezi' and shake hands; be punctual for appointments and public transport.
Respect quiet hours, especially in residential areas and around churches; keep noise levels reasonable in public spaces.
Join queues in order and tip discretely when appropriate in service settings.
Safety
Tipping in Littau
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still common in smaller venues and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with plenty of outdoor activities; long daylight hours; lake swims, boat trips, and hill excursions are popular. Expect occasional showers; carry a light jacket.
Mild days and turning foliage create scenic colors around the lake and hills. Perfect for walks and photography; some attractions may have shorter hours late in the season.
Cold with possible snow; Christmas markets and cozy cafes shine. Mountain accessibility to Pilatus and Rigi remains for winter hiking and sledding; plan for shorter daylight hours.
Blossoms and rising temperatures bring pleasant hiking conditions. Showers are common; layer clothing is recommended for fluctuating temperatures.
Littau at Night
Hiking in Littau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Classic lakeside and alpine hike with panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps.
A range of trails from easy to challenging, with cable car access and sweeping mountain vistas.
Scenic paths above the lake with lush landscapes and dramatic cliff-edge views.
Airports
How to reach Littau by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; about an hour by train to Lucerne/Littau with frequent services.
Smaller international/domestic airport; reachable by train with a longer transfer to Lucerne.
Joint international gateway for Western Switzerland/Alsace; accessible by rail connections to Lucerne with transfer.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of longtime Swiss residents and newer arrivals, with strong community ties and a high standard of living.
Tourists and expatriates drawn to Lucerne’s cultural events, lake life, and proximity to the Alps.
A presence from nearby universities and language schools, contributing to a cosmopolitan vibe.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Lake Lucerne provides opportunities for rowing, paddleboarding, and sailing during warmer months.
Nearby Alpine resorts offer winter sports; day trips to the mountains are popular in winter months.
Extensive trails around the lake and in the surrounding mountains attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Littau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for dishes featuring mushrooms, seasonal vegetables, or rösti-based plates.
Many eateries can accommodate vegan preferences; ask for plant-based mains, salads, and dairy-free sauces; look for vegan labels or request 'ohne Milch'.
Gluten-free bread and pasta options are available at many venues; notify staff of allergies and verify cross-contamination practices.